Job Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Main Focus | Character TD (Simulation focus) |
| Studio Location | Burbank, California, United States |
| Business Unit | Walt Disney Animation Studios (The Secret Lab) |
| Hourly Pay Rate | $22.50 per hour |
| Program Duration | 11 Weeks (June – August 2026) |
| Application Deadline | March 2, 2026 |
| Eligibility | 18+ and currently enrolled or recently graduated (within 6 months) |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya, Marvelous Designer (plus), Linux |
The Definitive Path to Becoming a Character TD at Disney Animation
Walt Disney Animation Studios is inviting the next generation of technical visionaries to apply for our Character TD Summer Internship for 2026. This is more than a seasonal role; it is an immersive entry point into the “The Secret Lab,” where the bridge between artistic performance and technical innovation is built.
As a Character TD intern focusing on Character Simulation, you will step into the heart of Burbank to contribute to the legacy that brought Frozen, Encanto, and Moana 2 to life.
The role of a Character TD (Technical Director) at Disney is unique. It is a discipline that refuses to choose between the “left brain” and the “right brain.” Whether you are refining the silhouette of a gown in motion or scripting a new way for fur to react to wind, the Character TD ensures that the director’s vision is never limited by the constraints of software.
This summer, we are looking for students and recent graduates who are ready to master the craft of character simulation under the mentorship of the world’s leading artists.
What is a Character TD at Walt Disney Animation Studios?
At Disney, the Character Artist is a versatile powerhouse. While the broader department encompasses Rigging, Technical Animation, Creature Dev, and Character Finaling, this specific internship focuses on the simulation side of the craft.
A Character Technical Director specializing in simulation is responsible for the “secondary motion” that gives a character believability. This includes:
- Cloth Simulation: Designing how fabrics fold, stretch, and flow.
- Hair and Fur: Defining the grooming structure and dynamic movement of follicles.
- Flesh and Muscle: Simulating the underlying biomechanics that prevent a character from looking like a hollow shell.
The Character TD is a highly collaborative role. You will sit at the crossroads of Modeling, Animation, and Lighting, ensuring that the character remains appealing and functional throughout the entire production pipeline.
The Internship Experience: A Summer in the Secret Lab
Our 11-week Character TD internship (running approximately June–August 2026) is designed to give you a true “hands-on” experience. You aren’t here to watch; you are here to build.
- Mentorship: Every Character TD intern is paired with a seasoned industry mentor. You will receive direct feedback on your work, learn proprietary workflows, and understand the “Disney Standard” of appeal and technical excellence.
- Collaborative Projects: You will learn what it means to work in a studio environment. The Character TD must be a master of communication, translating an animator’s artistic notes into technical solutions.
- Craft & Operation: Beyond the screen, you will explore the operations and filmmaking processes that have sustained Disney Animation since 1937. You will see how your unique talents as a Character TD fit into the massive machine of feature film production.
Are You the Right Candidate for the Character TD Role?
We are looking for individuals who possess a “love for learning” and a genuine passion for the marriage of art and technology. To be a successful Character TD, you should demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
Technical Simulation & Rigging
The core of the Character TD skillset involves creating simulation rigs. We want to see cloth rigs that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of tailoring and fabric properties. Your work should show how different materials—from heavy wool to light silk—behave under a broad range of motion. Similarly, hair rigs should show an understanding of texture and groom structure.
Artistic Appeal and Anatomy
A Disney Character TD is an artist first. You must have a deep understanding of human and animal anatomy. Your simulations shouldn’t just be physically “accurate”; they must be “appealing.” This means understanding the principles of animation—squash and stretch, timing, and silhouette—and applying them to how hair and cloth move during a performance.
Problem Solving & Tool Development
Can you build an artist-friendly interface? A great Character TD doesn’t just use tools; they improve them. We value candidates who show creative problem-solving abilities and an interest in developing tools that make the simulation process more intuitive for others.
Technical Skills and Supplemental Talents
While we provide extensive training, a foundational knowledge in CG software is expected. A competitive Character TD applicant will ideally have:
- Software Proficiency: A strong working knowledge of Autodesk Maya.
- Specialized Tools: Experience with fashion design software like Marvelous Designer is a significant plus.
- Scripting & Programming: The “Technical” in Character TD often involves coding. Proficiency in Python, MEL, or C++ is highly valued, especially if you can show examples of tool development.
- Operating Systems: Familiarity with Linux environments.
- Diverse Skillsets: We love seeing “real-world” skills. Have you done physical tailoring or pattern making? Do you have experience with hair styling or traditional sculpture? These physical skills translate directly into the digital work of a Character TD.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Disney
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Character TD department thrives on diverse perspectives. We believe that our stories are better when they are told by people from all walks of life. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Statistically, the animation industry has seen a significant push toward diverse representation. According to industry reports (such as those from Animation Guild and Women in Animation), while certain technical roles have historically seen skewed demographics, modern internship cohorts at major studios like Disney are increasingly reflecting a global population.
For instance, recent industry-wide data suggests a steady increase in female and non-binary representation in Technical Director roles, growing by nearly 15% over the last decade. Disney remains a champion of this evolution, ensuring that every Character TD has a seat at the table.
Application Requirements & Deadlines
To be considered for the 2026 Character TD Summer Internship, you must submit your application by Monday, March 2, 2026.
Your application must include:
- A Professional Resume: Clearly stating your school and expected graduation date.
- A Demo Reel (Max 2 Minutes): This is the most critical part of your application. Your reel should showcase:
- Anatomy and tailoring.
- Cloth and hair in motion.
- A simulation breakdown (explaining how you achieved the result).
- A sense of performance and appeal.
- Shot Breakdown: A document or slide within your reel explaining your specific contribution to each shot.
Eligibility and Compensation
- Age: Must be 18 years or older.
- Education: Must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary program (College, University, Trade School, etc.) or have graduated within six months of the start date (June 2026).
- Availability: Must be fully available for the 11-week duration in Burbank, CA.
- Pay Rate: $22.50 per hour.
Conclusion
The journey of a Character TD is one of constant evolution. From the early days of hand-drawn anatomy to the complex algorithmic simulations of today, Disney has always led the way. If you want to spend your summer at the intersection of fashion, physics, and fantasy, apply to be our next Character TD intern. Help us tell the next great story.
